Sahel spear with European pike/lance ? head

[colin henshaw]

Hi

Here are some images of a Sahel (maybe Hausa or thereabouts), spear with a head that looks like it came from a European lance or pike of some sort ?

Can anyone shed some light on this - possible origin and rough date of the spear point ?

The wooden haft has been cut away to fit the head and drilled in line with the holes in the metal shank, but there are no rivets or nails present.

Comments are welcome on this unusual weapon...

Also posted on the Ethnographic forum.

[Matchlock]

Hi Colin,

Honestly I don't think the spear head is European, regarding the form of both the socket and the head.
On European hafted arms, the socket was normally thicker and not slit but closed (fire-welded) and nailed to the haft.

Best,
Michael

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Hi Colin,

Honestly I don't think the spear head is European, regarding the form of both the socket and the head.
On European hafted arms, the socket was normally thicker and not slit but closed (fire-welded) and nailed to the haft.

Best,
Michael

Hi Michael

Thanks for your input on this spear head. I am beginning to think it could be an African copy of a European spear or lance head (its not an indigenous African form in itself). Please see my posting today on the Ethnographic form.

Regards
Colin